TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)– While the homicide rate is on the rise in Baltimore City, Baltimore County is touting an historic low rate.

Baltimore County officials released the numbers Friday. The statistics show over the last four years, Baltimore County has recorded fewer total homicides than any four-year period since the early ’80s.

Nineteen homicides occurred in 2013. That’s down from 23 in 2012. There were 30 murders in 2011.

When it comes to murders that have occurred, the county is solving those crimes at an historic rate as well.

In 2012, officers cleared nearly 96 percent of cases, compared to the national average of 62.5 percent.

Baltimore County’s clearance rates are so good that the Justice Department featured the police department in a publication on best practices for homicide clearance.